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Mr. Ely's 
SERMON 

AT THE 

ORDINATION 

OF HIS 

Son. 



A GOSPEL MINISTER, THOUGH YOUNG, SHOULD 
BE RESPECTABLE BY HIS EXAMPLE. 

A 

SERMON, 

DELIVERED AT THE 

ORDINATION 

OF THE 

Rev. Ezra Stiles Ely, 

TO THE 

PASTORAL CARE 

OF THE 

CHURCH IN WEST-CHESTER, IN COLCHESTER, 
OCTOBER 1, 1806. 



BY ZEBULON ELY, A. M. 

Pastor of a Church in Lebanon. 



n 




HARTFORD : 
PRINTED BY LINCOLN '& GLEASON. 

—1806.-^ 



4-0/7 
E55 



Ordination Sermon. 



I. TIMOTHY iv. 12. 

Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the be- 
lievers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, 
in purity. 

JL HE writings of the apostle Paul constitute 
no inconsiderable portion of the invaluable treasure, 
contained in the sacred scriptures. His epistles to 
Timothy, his own son in the faith, exceedingly dear 
to him, are well worthy the attention of all, but es- 
pecially, of young ministers. Here they may have 
the advantage of the counsel resulting from the ex- 
perience of an aged and most eminent minister, and 
an inspired apostle. 

The consideration of the portion of advice given 
to Timothy, in the passage now read, it is apprehen- 
ded, will not be judged unsuitable to the present so- 
lemn occasion. 



6? ORDINATION SERMON. 

" Let no man despise thy youth," &c. Youth, in 
itself considered, contains nothing worthy of reproach. 
It is a season of life that is lovely, pleasing, pre- 
cious. But, from want of experience and riper judg- 
ment, there are certain indiscretions and vanities, in- 
cident to youth, which greatly lessen the respecta- 
bility of man, in that early stage of his existence. 
These however, may be avoided. They do not ne- 
cessarily belong to youth. Some, though young in 
years, appear, comparatively, old in experience, and 
conduct with the reputable gravity of gray hairs. 
Such a deportment, our great apostle, wished his be- 
loved son Timothy to exhibit. As the surest way 
to avoid being despised on account of his youth, he 
would have him be guilty of nothing despicable. 

To this end, he exhorts him in the words follow- 
ing, "But be thou an example of the believers in 
word," &c. Observe itbehoveth gospel ministers to 
distinguish themselves among believers by their ex- 
emplary holiness. As they are appointed officers un- 
der the great head of the church, so it is to be ex- 
pected that their example should shine with peculiar 
brightness. Unto them believers are to look, and 
learn, how it behoveth them to follow the Lord Je- 
sus Christ. 

They are to be an example to believers, 

1. In word. If by word here as distinguished 
from the other particulars that follow, we understand 
scriptural knowledge, purity of language, veracity or good 
judgment, it constitutes an important branch of 
Christian example. 



ORDINATION SERMON. t 

The BrBLE is a store-house of intellectual treas- 
ure, of immense value. Would we learn the most 
wonderful things, into which men or angels are ca- 
pable of looking ; would we learn to conduct our- 
selves with that beautiful propriety, which will render 
us acceptable to God, to holy angels, to saints and to 
the excellent of the earth ; would we become wise 
unto salvation, we should search the scriptures with 
all diligence. Gospel ministers, particularly, should 
possess a thorough knowledge of the contents of the 
sacred volume. The priest's lips should keep know, 
ledge, and the people are to seek the law at his mouth. 
He should be established in the belief of the great 
doctrines that God hath revealed, and in the practice of 
the duties that God hath enjoined, that he may incul- 
cate them with clearness, precision and firmness. 

If by word here we understand veracity, surely it 
is an indispensible requisite in the sacred character. 
A Christian must be a man of his word, for all liars 
shall have their part in the lake. The word of a Chris- 
tian minister should be that upon which reliance 
may be placed. / 

If by word here we understand good judgment, 
this is highly important. Being a leader in the 
house of God, it behoveth a gospel minister to be 
discreet, to exercise sound judgment. He should be 
capable of giving wholesome advice to those who 
may consult him, in cases of conscience, and in all 
prudential matters. 

2. In conversation. A man's conversation goes 
far in determining his character, and in rendering 



8 ORDINATION SERMON. 

him useful or otherwise in the world. Out of the 
abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. So- 
lemn is the declaration of our Lord, " But I say unto 
you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they 
shall give account thereof, in the day of judg- 
ment." For by thy words thou shall be justified 
{if thou art justified) and by thy words thou shall be 
condemned {if thou art condemned.) Much instruc- 
tion may be communicated by conversation. In 
this way influence may be exerted to the most val- 
uable purposes. The conversation of Christians and 
especially of Christian ministers, should savor of hea- 
venly things. Our conversation, saith the apostle, 
speaking in the name of believers, is in heaven. Not 
that it is unlawful for a Christian, or for a gospel mi- 
nister, on suitable occasions, and in a proper man- 
ner, to converse cheerfully about worldly matters ; 
for while we are continued in the world w 7 e must ne- 
cessarily have more or less to do with its concerns, 
and we are to use it without abusing it, giving God 
thanks. Those who are set apart for the immediate 
service of the Lord cannot avoid having some secular 
affairs to transact. They must, of course, hold 
seme conversation respecting them'. But as this 
world must by no means possess their hearts, so it 
must not engross their conversation. Having their 
affections placed on things above, commissioned 
from heaven to win souls to Christ, their delight 
should be to speak of the things of the kingdom. 
Their conversation should be spiritual, savory, ten- 
ding to benefit all with whom they have social inter- 
course. If a minister's conversation be unseemly, 
vain, trifling or worldly, though his preaching should 



ORDINATION SERMON. 1 

be ever so sound and weighty ; he will be likely to 
do little or no good. His hearers will judge, and 
with good reason, that whatever his speculative be- 
lief may be, his heart remains unconvinced, that he 
neither relishes the things he pretends to recommend 
to others, nor feels their importance. 

3. In charity. Charity is the bond of perfectness. 
It consists in that love to God and to man which ful- 
fils the law. This constitutes that more excellent 
way, of which the apostle speaks in his first epistle 
to the Corinthians — more excellent than all miracu- 
lous gifts — to be preferred to the most extensive eru- 
dition, though accompanied with the eloquence of 
angels. 

There are two great branches of charity, in the 
one or other of which, some, through an unhappy 
mistake, are prone to make the whole of that excel- 
lent grace to consist. One is a tender compassion 
towards our fellow men, in needy circumstances, 
expressed in almsgiving, or in kindly affording such 
relief as may be in our power. This, when perform- 
ed from right motives, is an important branch of the 
duty. So important is it, that in vain does any man 
make pretensions to this grace, if his charity evap- 
orate in empty words, saying, Be ye warmed and be 
ye filled, and yet withhold those things that are ne- 
cessary and comfortable, when he is able to grant 
assistance. 

But this by no means constitutes the whole of that 
great duty. As charity is that love which fulfils the 
law, so it respects God as well as man ; it regards 

B 



10 >\ ORDINATION SERMON. 

the first as well as the second table of the law. 
These two indeed can never be separated. With- 
out piety towards God, there can be no true benevo- 
lence towards men. In the exercise of philanthropy, 
man is to be regarded, not merely as an animal, but 
as a rational, immortal being. The proper exercise 
of charity, therefore, extends to the soul as well as 
to the body. If the state of the nobler part of man, 
be, while unrenewed, poor, and wretched, and miser- 
able, and blind, and naked, surely it calls for com- 
passion no less than the perishable clay. 

Some, it is to be feared, place the whole of their 
religion in the exercise of that charity which respects 
only the temporary condition of man. Theygivemuch 
to the poor. They are ready to encourage schemes 
of benevolence, and seemingly in this way, would 
compound with the Lord for many misdeeds. But 
the Lord hates robbery for burnt offering ; nor can 
that man's charity be acceptable to God, who indul- 
ges in licentious habits. 

The other branch of charity, upon which some 
place undue stress, consists in entertaining a favora- 
ble opinion of the characters of men, allowing them 
to be sincere Christians, whatever their religious 
sentiments may be, even while they have spots that 
do not pertain to God's children. We must have 
charity, say they, and quote, but misapply, the words 
of the apostle, " Charity hopeth all things, believeth 
all things." This licentious liberality, as it may be 
styled, has a very pernicious tendency, and is direct- 
ly contrary to the nature of Christian charity. It 



ORDINATION SERMON. H 

tends to confound all distinction between truth and 
error, virtue and vice. Charity, must be regulated 
by some rule, and that rule is the word of God. 
Liberality of sentiment, beyond what this will war- 
rant, ceases to be charity. Instead of promoting 
the divine glory, and the true interest of mankind, it 
casts reproach upon the high and holy One and 
tends to lead men to perdition. 

Of true charity, there is no danger, no possibility 
of exercising too much ; but we must beware of 
counterfeits. It is highly important for every Chris- 
tian and especially for every minister to cultivate 
this grace in order to his usefulness. Such charity 
as the scriptures enjoin, such as Christ most glori- 
ously displayed, will lead him to relieve, as far as 
may be in his power, not only the temporal, but the 
spiritual necessities of mankind. To this end, as 
the most powerful means that can be used, the pri- 
vate Christian will be careful to live an exemplary, 
holy life. To this end, the gospel minister in con- 
nection with such a life, will not shun to declare the 
whole counsel of God, keeping nothing back that, 
may be profitable to his hearers. True charity will 
moreover lead him, not only to make all due allow- 
ances for those errors of men, which arise from igno- 
ance, education and prejudice, yet do not subvert 
the foundation ; and for those infirmities which may 
yet consist with a renewed, obedient heart : but to 
be as distinguishing as possible between the precious 
and the vile, to detect hypocrites and undeceive the 
deceived, that they may not perish with a lie in their 
right hand. 



13 ORDINATION SERMON. 

4. In spirit. The holy Spirit is presupposed to 
possess the heart of every believer, and is indeed the 
root of every Christian grace. By spirit, therefore, 
as used in this place, in distinction from the other 
particulars mentioned in the text, and in connection 
with them, it seems proper to understand, a liberal 
Godlike soul : or a temper of mind, opposed to a nar- 
row, contracted, pusillanimous disposition. Every 
disciple of Christ, must possess a portion of the cha- 
rity before mentioned, for as it is the substance of re- 
ligion, so it is essential to the Christian character. But 
it is to be confessed and lamented,thatsome professors, 
who are hopefully sincere, are nevertheless so narrow 
in their views, so contracted in their disposition and 
so parsimonious in their ways,that they rarely do any 
thing worthy the benevolent mind of the Christian. 
They are extremely reluctant in doing good in any 
manner that requires a little sacrifice of time, talents 
or pecuniary property. In opposition to this tem- 
per, the apostle would have Timothy, and of course, 
every gospel minister, possess and manifest, on all 
suitable occasions, an enlarged heart. He would 
have the professed followers of Christ, e; pecially the 
officers in his church, partake largely of the spirit of 
their Divine Master, who though he were rich yet 
for our sakes became poor, that we, through his pov- 
erty, might be rich. He would have them ready to 
every good work, and cheerfully appropriate the 
means with which they are furnished, to such ends, 
as may best subserve the glory of God, and the per- 
manent interest of mankind. He would have them 
ingenious in devising, liberal and thorough in execu- 
ting, schemes of usefulness. He would have them 



ORDINATION SERMON. IS 

make it evident, that they are governed by a wiser, 
more courteous, hospitable and excellent spirit, than 
the men of the world, who are accounted most gene- 
rous and benevolent. 

5. In Faith. The invisible catholic church on 
earth is in a militant state. Every particular church 
constitutes a portion of the great spiritual army. 
Every believer should be a good soldier of Jesus 
Christ. But ministers, who, under Christ, their lea- 
ders in these several divisions, should excel in Chris- 
tian valour. Their faith should bear them nobly 
above the world. Against all opposition, to the 
kingdom of their Lord, they should set their faces 
as a flint ; and like a rock in the ocean, dashed with 
the foaming billows, stand unmoved. In the strength 
of the Lord of hosts and by his order, they should 
dare to encounter, the numerous, powerful, subtle 
and combined forces of earth and hell. 

The character of a gospel minister as an example 
of believers, in faith, is beautifully exhibited in the 
following lines, of an eminent and pious poet. 

" There stands the messenger of truth. There stands 

" The legate of the skies. His theme, Divine, 

" His office, sacred, his credentials, clear. 

" By him the violated law speaks out 

" Its thunders, and by him in strains as sweet 

" As angels use, the gospel whispers peace. 

" He establishes the strong, restores the weak, 

" Reclaims the wanderer, binds the broken heart, 

" And arm'd himself in panoply complete 

" Of heavenly temper, furnishes with arms 

" Bright as his own, and trains by every rule 

" Of holy discipline, to glorious war, 

" The sacramental host of God's elect. 



14 ' ORDINATION SERMON. 

6. In purity. With a heart warmed with charity, 
with a noble, benevolent, enterprising spirit, and a 
vigorous active faith, the apostle would have Timo- 
thy maintain purity, and in that respect also be an 
example of believers. With the sentiment, that the 
end sanctifies the means, Paul had no fellowship. 
He remembered, as the disciples of Jesus should ever 
realize, that to act in character as Christians, we 
must not only be wise as serpents, but harmless as 
doves. 

The purity enjoined in the text may therefore de- 
note in the first place, purity of intention. Let no 
base design, no unworthy end, no selfish motive, 
govern your conduct, mar your schemes of useful- 
ness, and defeat your otherwise noble exertions. 
Let not your zeal for the Lord of hosts, like that of 
Jehu, be prompted by ostentation. 

The word is of extensive import, having refer- 
ence to the whole moral conduct. All the followers 
of the holy Jesus should cultivate purity, but those 
who are called to take the lead among them should 
be distinguished for their purity. Striving to be ho- 
ly, harmless, undefiled, they should be careful to 
keep their garments clean, unspotted from the world. 
From intemperance, uncleanness, lasciviousness and 
every thing that defileth, they should guard them- 
selves by constant watchfulness and by prayer with- 
out ceasing. " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they 
shall see God." 



ORDINATION SERMON. 15 

My dear son, 
A portion of the excellent advice of Paul the aged, 
to Timothy his beloved son in the faith, hath now, 
at your desire, been laid before you. Receive the 
exhortation of the inspired apostle. Let no man 
despise thy youth. Do nothing despicable. Con- 
duct yourself in a worthy manner. Avoid those lev- 
ities, indiscretions and that vanity incident to your 
season of life. God, in his infinite mercy, having 
hopefully revealed his Son in you, having separated 
you to the work of the gospel ministry, and having 
constituted you the pastor of his flock in this place ; 
be thou an example of the believers, in word, in thy 
knowledge of the scriptures, in the purity of thy lan- 
guage, in veracity and in good judgment — in thy 
conversation, savoring of the thingsof the kingdom — 
in charity, in the holy fervor of thy affections, in thy 
zeal for the glory of .God and in thy good will to 
men — in spirit, having thy heart enlarged, endeavor- 
ing as far as possible to copy the example of the be- 
nevolent Saviour, proving thyself worthy to hold an 
honorable office under the captain of salvation, dar- 
ing in the name of the Lord of hosts, to encounter 
the Goliah of infidelity, to lift up a standard against 
the enemy, coming in like a flood — In purity, hav- 
ing no design which thou wouldst be ashamed to 
avow before God and man, diligently cultivating that 
holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. 
In so doing thou shalt save thyself and them that 
hear thee. 

You will not only carefully remember and dili- 
gently peruse this passage, which hath now been in- 



16 ORDINATION SERMON. 

sisted upon, but you will also pay particular attention 
to> each of the epistles of this prime minister of our 
Lord, to his beloved Timothy. Nor can you fail in 
regarding his advice, to be diligent in searching the 
scriptures, throughout, knowing that " all scripture 
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for 
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction 
in righteousness : that the man of God may be per- 
fect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.'' 
Let 'me also recommend to you, my son, under 
Christ, to make Paul your great pattern. Examin- 
ing his character, surveying his life, may you imbibe 
a large portion of his excellent spirit. May you 
possess and display the supreme ardency of his af- 
fection for the Lord Jesus Christ. The very name 
of Jesus was music in his ears. Hence, unmindful 
of the cold, formal rules of criticism, it is remarka- 
ble, that in one of his epistles, he mentions it ten 
times, in as many successive verses. To Paul, the 
name of Jesus was as ointment poured forth. De- 
termine, like him, to know nothing among this peo- 
ple, but Jesus Christ and him crucified. 

Let a similar regard for precious immortal souls 
possess your heart. Let it appear in your wise, dili- 
gent, persevering endeavors to win them to Christ. 
Like him, be engaged in making the most vigorous 
exertions in your power, to advance the cause you 
have espoused, to build up the interest of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom. Like him count all things but 
loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ 
Jesus your Lord. Like him count not your life 
dear unto yourself, so that you may finish your 



ORDINATION SERMON. 17 

course with joy and the ministry which you have 
received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of 
the grace of God. .Then, like him, in the conclusion 
shall you be enabled to say, " I have fought a good 
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the 
faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge 
shall give me at that day ; and not to me only but to 
all them that love his appearing. So shall an entrance 
be administered unto you abundantly into the king- 
dom of your dear Lord and Saviour, who will receive 
you with a " well done good and faithful servant ; 
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make 
thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy 
of thy Lord ;" which may God of his infinite mercy 
grant for Jesus' sake. 

In connection with the Pastor elect, the church 
and congregation, assembling in this place, must 
feel themselves deeply interested in the solemnities 
of this day. It having pleased the Lord to incline 
your hearts to make choice of this young man for 
your spiritual watchman, and it being agreeable to 
the minds of the ecclesiastical council, to consecrate 
him to the arduous service, you will receive him, 
dear and respected brethren, as an ascension gift. 
You will gratefully notice the kind ordering of provi- 
dence in causing so happy an union among you, and 
in making provision for the supply of the place of 
your late worthy pastor, who was not suffered to 
continue by reason of death. 

C 



18 ORDINATION SERMON. 

In a youth you cannot expect all the maturity and 
stability of age. In the exercise of candor, taught 
to make due allowance, you will not despise his 
youth, but respect him for the holy office, which, by 
your desire, he is called to sustain. Consider, dear 
brethren, that the duties of a pastor and people are 
mutual. Endeavor to aid him in his work by your 
prayers to God for him, and by such friendly advice, 
and assistance as he may need. May his labors be 
blessed among you to the increase and edification of 
your body. And may you be prepared to meet be- 
fore the tribunal of our Lord, to give up your res- 
pective accounts and stand in his holy presence with 
exceeding joy. 

My FATHERS AND BRETHREN IN THE GOSPEL 
MINISTRY, 

Whenever we are called to attend a solemnity of 
this kind, we are particularly reminded of the vow r s, 
the solemn vows of God that are upon us. Placed 
as a beacon on a hill, that cannot be hid, how holy, 
how exemplary should we be, in word, in conversa- 
tion, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. This 
we must do would we save our own souls and the 
souls of our hearers. We must not only point out 
unto them, the way into the kingdom of heaven, in 
our public discourses, but by our daily practice, 
causing a light to shine around us and a voice to be 
heard behind our steps saying, This is the way, walk 
ye in it. May our minds be ever duly affected with 
our work. May we be devoted to it, willingly 
spending and being spent in the blessed service. If 



ORDINATION SERMON. 19 

we be found faithful, though Israel be not gathered, v 
we shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord. Our 
labor will not be in vain. God will be glorified and 
we shall be rewarded. If it may please God to pros- 
per us, so that in the great day of account, each of us 
may be enabled to adopt the language of the prophet, 
" Here am I and the children thou hast given me,' ' 
inexpressible will be our joy. To this end, while 
conscious of the integrity, of our intentions, let us 
be wise as serpents. Called to act our part in the evil 
day when iniquity abounds, when the love of many 
waxes cold, when the enemies of religion assume a 
brazen front, endeavouring to remove the great pil- 
lars of both church and state, we have need to take to 
ourselves the whole armor of God that we may be 
able to withstand. " Stand, therefore, having your 
loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast- 
plate of righteousness ; and your feet shod with the 
preparation of the gospel of peace ; above all, taking 
the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to 
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Take the 
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which 
is the word of God, praying always with all prayer.'* 
— Thus arrayed, putting our trust in the Lord Jeho- 
vah, in whom is everlasting strength, we shall have 
nothing to fear. Then shall we never be ashamed nor 
confounded. Though the earth be removed we shall 
not be dismayed. Though the material universe be 
dissolved in flames, we shall have lost nothing ! Since 
Christ lives, his church shall live also. Wherefore, 
dear brethren, be of good couarge and rejoice in the 
Lord always. 



20 ORDINATION SERMON. 

Let this whole assembly be reminded that it is 
their duty to follow those who are to be examples 
of believers, so far as they follow Christ. Remem- 
ber the way of duty is the only way of safety. All 
are required to believe in Christ, to the salvation 
of their souls. Jesus, my hearers, through faith in 
him, is the only ark of safety, the only city of re- 
fuge. Suffer each one of you the word of exhor- 
tation. For thy life escape to this city, or the aven- 
ger of blood will overtake thee. Enter into this ark 
or the coming deluge, not of water but of fire, will 
devour thee. For the Lord Jesus shall be reveal- 
ed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming 
fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, 
and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ; 
who shall be punished with everlasting destruction 
from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of 
his power. By the same word which brought the 
flood of waters upon the wicked inhabitants of the 
old world, know assuredly that the heavens and the 
earth which now exist, are kept in store, reserved 
unto fire, against the day of judgment and the per- 
dition of ungodly men. But there are glorious man- 
sions prepared for the righteous, who shall shine forth 
in the kingdom of their heavenly Father as stars in 
the firmament for ever and ever. Amen. 



The 



Charge, 



BY THE 

Rev. ELIJAH PARSONS. 



Dear Sir, 

YOU having been regularly invested with the min- 
isterial office, by prayer to the king of Zion, and that 
apostolic rite, the laying on of the hands of the pres- 
bytery — We now declare that you are authorized to 
preach the gospel, to administer the sacraments of 
the New-Testament, to lay on hands in ordina- 
tion, and to do whatever appertains to the office of 
ministers of the gospel, who are styled, in the sacred 
writings, sometimes,- Elders, and sometimes 
Bishops. 

And we charge you, in the name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, in whose name 
you was baptized — take heed to the ministry you 
have received in the Lord, that you fulfil it. First 
of all, take heed to yourself; give yourself to prayer, 
as well as to reading and meditation ; pray always, 
with all prayer and supplication, in the spirit for your- 
self and for your people also, and watch thereunto, 
with all perseverance. Exhibit the amiable beauty 
of "religion, by your example, as well as by your re- 
presentations from the pulpit. Be blameless as the 
steward of God, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour. 



22 THE CHARGE. 

Be an example to believers^n wo£(L in 
in charity, in spirit, in faip, in purity! 

Moreover : We charge you, before God, and the 
Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and 
the dead, at his appearing in his kingdom ; take heed 
to the flock, over which, the Holy Ghost hath made 
you an overseer, to feed the church of God, which 
he hath purchased with his own blood. Preach the 
word. Be instant in season, and out of season. 
In doctrine show uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 
sound speech that cannot be condemned. Study the 
-Bible — be diligent, be honest and impartial in study- 
ing it ; and shun not to declare all the counsel of 
God. Rightly divide the word of truth, and show 
yourself approved of God, a workman that need not 
be ashamed. 

Be careful to know the state of your flock, and 
adapt your ministrations, both in public and private, 
to their more special circumstances. 

Warn the wicked, instruct the ignorant, comfort 
the feeble-minded, bind up the broken-hearted, and 
edify believers in faith, in love, humility and every 
other Christian grace. 

We have given you this charge, in the sight of 
God, who quickeneth all things, and before Jesus 
Christ, who in the presence of Pontius Pilate wit- 
nessed a good confession, and to whom you must 
render an account, in the day, when he shall appear, 
to judge the world in righteousness. 



THE CHARGE. ' 23- 

A charge, sg lemfc anebveighty, may well impress 
your mind witJfiPseriousmd deep concern ; but be 
not discouraged : make the presence and strength of 
God, the Redeemer, your hope and confidence, and 
by the sufficiency of his grace, you will be enabled to 
execute with uprightness, the trust he has committed 
to you. 

Be strong, therefore, in the Lord, and in the power 
of his might, and when he shall appear the second 
time in the glory of his Father, and with the holy 
angels, he will say unto yoiii : " Well done, good 
and faithful servant," — " enter thou into the joy of 
thy Lord." 







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